Jeremiah 23:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Northern Kingdom's prophets led people to worship false gods.
The Context of Jeremiah 23:13
Jeremiah points to historical precedent for false prophecy in Israel's past.
What Does Jeremiah 23:13 Mean?
Samaria represents the Northern Kingdom, which fell to Assyria generations before Jeremiah's time. The charge is that prophets there spoke in the name of Baal (the fertility god widely worshipped in pagan cultures) rather than in the name of the LORD. This was not ambiguity but explicit apostasy—a wholesale turning away.
The result was that they 'caused my people Israel to err'—they did not simply mislead; they led the people into spiritual rebellion. Jeremiah uses this historical example as a warning for his own generation in Judah: false prophecy is not new, and its consequences are severe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 23:13
What does Jeremiah 23:13 mean?
The Northern Kingdom's prophets led people to worship false gods.
What is the context of Jeremiah 23:13?
Jeremiah points to historical precedent for false prophecy in Israel's past.